SAFETY PROGRAM HANDBOOK - Academy of Model Aeronautics
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Welcome............................................... 2 Control Line ............................... 9
AMA National Model Aircraft Safety Code Radio Control ............................. 9
3 See-and-Avoid Guidance...................... 9
Regulatory Compliance......................... 4 First-Person View (FPV).......................... 9
Model Operations Near Airports .4 Advanced Flight Systems...................... 10
No-Fly Zones ............................. 4 Gas Turbine Operations......................... 10
Privacy ....................................... 5 RC Pulse Jet Operations....................... 10
General Safety Practices........................ 5 Large Model Airplanes (55 pounds+)... 10
Weather....................................... 6 RC Combat............................................ 11
Propellers ................................... 7 RC Racing............................................. 11
Batteries ..................................... 7 Flying Site Layout................................... 11
Free Flight .................................. 8
1 AMA SAFETY HANDBOOKWELCOME!
Founded in 1936, the AMA is the world’s largest sport
aviation organization, representing a membership of
more than 180,000.
Creating a safe environment to protect bystanders,
other model pilots, as well as surrounding property,
is crucial and the responsibility of every individual
Throughout the years, AMA established and evolved a participating in modeling activities.
safety program that guides modeling activities through AMA highlights the most important safety aspects
education and voluntary compliance. As technology through its Safety Code, but the safety program
advances and the model community continues its encompasses many more facets.
growth, disciplines and interests have increased. This safety handbook is a compilation of AMA
Most model flying that takes place today is recreational documents and programs as they pertain to safe model
rather than within a formal competition framework, operation. It is intended to provide a centralized
and sometimes it occurs on publicly accessible sites location to find all pertinent safety information, and
with little or no formal control. can be a valuable tool for club officers, contest directors,
event managers, and others.
05/2021 2ACADEMY OF MODEL AERONAUTICS AS AN AMA MEMBER I AGREE:
NATIONAL MODEL AIRCRAFT SAFETY CODE
Effective January 1, 2018
• I will not fly a model aircraft in a careless or reckless
manner.
A model aircraft is a non-human-carrying device • I will not interfere with and will yield the right of way
capable of sustained flight within visual line of sight to all human-carrying aircraft using AMA’s See and
(VLOS) of the pilot or spotter(s). It may not exceed Avoid Guidance and a spotter when appropriate.
limitations of this code and is intended exclusively
for sport, recreation, personal, education, and/or • I will not operate any model aircraft while I am
competition. All model flights must be conducted in under the influence of alcohol or any drug that could
accordance with this safety code and related AMA adversely affect my ability to safely control the model.
guidelines, any additional rules specific to the flying site,
as well as all applicable laws and regulations. • I will avoid flying directly over unprotected people,
Process for Changes to the AMA Safety Program
moving vehicles, and occupied structures.
Any change to the AMA Safety Program is done through the AMA Safety
Committee and approved by the AMA Executive Council. A proposal for updating • I will fly Free Flight (FF) and Control Line
or amending any program typically starts at the membership level by submitting the
proposal to the AMA Safety Director or Safety Committee Chairman. The Safety (CL) models in compliance with AMA’s safety
Committee will review the proposal to determine if it can be safely integrated into programming.
AMA’s Safety Programming. If accepted, a final version will be submitted to the
AMA Executive Council for approval and inclusion in the AMA Safety Program.
• I will maintain visual contact of an RC model aircraft
without enhancement other than corrective lenses
prescribed to me. When using an advanced flight
system, such as an autopilot, or flying First-Person
View (FPV), I will comply with AMA’s Advanced Flight
System programming.
• I will only fly models weighing more than 55
pounds, including fuel, if certified through AMA’s
Large Model Airplane Program.
• I will only fly a turbine-powered model aircraft in
compliance with AMA’s Gas Turbine Program.
• I will not fly a powered model outdoors closer than
25 feet to any individual, except for myself or my
helper(s) located at the flightline, unless I am taking off
and landing, or as otherwise
provided in AMA’s Competition Regulation.
• I will use an established safety line to separate
all model aircraft operations from spectators and
bystanders.
3 AMA SAFETY HANDBOOKenforcement upon request.
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE
Key elements of AMA’s Safety Code include the
Model Operations Within Controlled Airspace
When flying in controlled airspace (Classes B, C, D,
requirement to see and avoid manned aircraft and and E), all model aircraft and drone operations must
maintain model aircraft operations within visual line of be authorized by the FAA, unless operating at a fixed
sight. flying site (AMA Chartered Club field). You should use
the FAA “B4 You Fly” smartphone app to determine
In addition to operating within our safety what airspace you are in before you fly other than at an
programming, AMA members should comply with AMA Chartered Club flying field. For members flying
any and all applicable federal, state, and local laws and at a fixed flying site in controlled airspace, there must
regulations. be an established Letter of Agreement (LOA) with
FAA air traffic control (ATC) in place which serves as
On October 5, 2018, the U.S. President signed the FAA an authorization. When flying in controlled airspace,
Reauthorization Act of 2018 into law. The Exception outside of an AMA fixed site, operators must obtain
for Limited Recreational Operations of Unmanned authorization through an authorized Low Altitude
Aircraft established by section 349 contains eight Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC)
statutory requirements that recreational and educational provider. LAANC is available to recreational UAS
fliers must adhere to operate recreational UAS (model operators to quickly receive authorization to fly and can
aircraft). only be used for daylight operations at or below 400 feet.
1. The aircraft is flown strictly for recreational, or For more information on LAANC
educational purposes. MODELAIRCRAFT.ORG/LAANC
2. The aircraft is operated in accordance with or within
the programming of a community-based organization’s On January 1, 2021, Congress also defined
set of safety guidelines that are developed in recreational use of UAS to include the following:
coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration.
3. The aircraft is flown within the visual line of sight of 1. operated by an institution of higher education for
the person operating the aircraft or a visual observer co- educational or research purposes;
located and in direct communication with the operator. 2. flown as part of an established Junior Reserve
4. The aircraft is operated in a manner that does not Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) program for
interfere with and gives way to any manned aircraft. education or research purposes; or
5. In Class B, Class C, or Class D airspace or within 3. flown as part of an educational program that
the lateral boundaries of the surface area of Class is chartered by a recognized community-based
E airspace designated for an airport, the operator organization (as defined in subsection (h) of such
obtains prior authorization from the Administrator or section.)
designee before operating and complies with all airspace
restrictions and prohibitions.
6. In Class G airspace, the aircraft is flown from
the surface to not more than 400 feet above ground
BE AWARE OF NO-FLY ZONES
Do not fly near stadiums, critical infrastructure
level and complies with all airspace restrictions and (correctional facilities, water treatment centers, utilities,
prohibitions. etc.), large open-air events, or any time or place where
7. The operator has passed an aeronautical knowledge model aircraft operations are prohibited.
and safety test described in subsection (g) and
maintains proof of test passage to be made available to Check for temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) in the
the Administrator or law enforcement upon request. area before you fly at
8. The aircraft is registered and marked in accordance
with chapter 441 of this title and proof of registration is
MODELAIRCRAFT.ORG/MEDIA-RESOURCES/FAA-NOTAMS
made available to the Administrator of designee or law
05/2021 4Privacy Policy efficient flight. A pilot should check for proper fitting
It’s important that you respect the privacy and property and placement of parts, with special attention to the
of others and be aware of your surroundings. What engine(s), propeller(s), and control surfaces.
might seem like a cool flight path to you, may be a It is imperative that all flying sites be situated as far as
nuisance or perceived as invasion of privacy.by others. practical from power lines.
Using imaging technology for aerial surveillance with
a model aircraft capable of obtaining photographs and/ Don’t attempt to retrieve a model from electric power
or videos or using any types of sensors for collection, lines. Contact the local power company.
retention, or dissemination of surveillance data or Identify each model aircraft flown outdoors with the
information about individuals, homes, businesses, name and address or AMA number of the owner. This
or property locations where there is a reasonable can be placed inside on an easy to access panel or
expectation of privacy is strictly prohibited by AMA, marked on the outside of the model. If your aircraft
unless you have obtained written permission from the weighs .55 pounds or more, you should also attach your
individual property owner(s) or manager(s). FAA registration number to the outside of the aircraft.
AMA members should educate themselves on Current FAA regulations require all model aircraft
community ordinances, guidelines, or any laws owners to register with the FAA through Drone Zone.
regulating the ownership and operation of a model
aircraft. FAA DRONE ZONE
FAADRONEZONE.FAA.GOV/#/
NTIA UAS Privacy Best Practices Document
NTIA.DOC.GOV/FILES/NTIA/PUBLICATIONS/VOLUNTARY_BEST_PRACTICES_FOR_UAS_ This is not necessary for indoor flying.
PRIVACY_TRANSPARENCY_AND_ACCOUNTABILITY_0.PDF Before you participate at an AMA sanctioned event,
air show, or a model demonstration, you should test
your model aircraft and control systems by successfully
GENERAL SAFETY PRACTICES
Adherence to AMA’s safety regulations should not be
performing all intended or anticipated maneuvers
before the event. If you are an inexperienced pilot,
viewed as an obstacle to the enjoyment of model flying, it is important that you obtain the assistance of an
but rather as proof that model fliers are responsible and experienced pilot for these specific events.
can operate safely in a community-based environment. It
is to each model pilot’s personal benefit to make certain Your model aircraft must not carry any incendiary or
that no action on his or her part will result in an unsafe explosive devices that creates hostile fire or weaponizes
situation or an accident. the aircraft. Air Show Teams (AST)s are authorized to
Before each flight, the pilot should verify the model’s use devices and practices as defined with the Team AMA
condition and proper function to ensure a safe and Program document.
5 AMA SAFETY HANDBOOKAMA AIRSHOW TEAM precipitation, clouds/visibility, and wind conditions
MODELAIRCRAFT.ORG/SITES/DEFAULT/FILES/718.PDF should be factored in your plans to fly.
Devices that propel hazardous projectiles are prohibited. Temperature:
Dropping any object creating a hazard to persons or Cold weather can make a day at the field miserable.
property are prohibited. Extremely cold conditions can be dangerous and even
Free Flight fuses or other devices that burn, producing fatal if exposed for too long. Be sure to check the
smoke, and are securely attached to the model aircraft temperature before leaving for the flying site. Keep in
during the flight are acceptable. mind that many electronics can start to fail in very
Rocket motors, up to a G-series size, may be used cold temperatures. If flying RC models, check your
for propulsion, as long as they use solid propellants operation manual for your radio equipment to know the
and remain attached to your model during the flight. temperature limits your equipment has.
Launching a rocket or any other missile from a model
aircraft is prohibited. Precipitation:
Rain can really spoil your day at the field. It can also
AMA members interested in model rocketry should present significant dangers as well. Water can get inside
abide by the National Model Rocketry (NAR) Safety the transmitter, can cause shorts in the circuitry, and
Code. ultimately cause it to fail. During rain and other forms
When appropriate or required by AMA safety guidelines of precipitation, it’s best not to fly at all and remain
and/or AMA Competition Regulations, helmets must sheltered until the rain stops. But, if you must fly,
be worn and fastened. Helmets must be OSHA, DOT, ensure that your transmitter is protected from water
ANSI, SNELL, or NOCSAE approved or comply with intrusion. Snow can melt and get into your transmitter
comparable standards. as well. Losing control of your model because of a radio
malfunction endangers everyone.
Spotters/Visual Observers
The duties of a spotter are critical, requiring absolute Clouds/Visibility:
attention and concentration on the flight being observed. Although overcast conditions are fine to fly in, it’s
The use of electronic devices or participating in important to be aware of how low or close clouds are.
conversations is discouraged during the course of the You must remain well clear of all clouds and never fly
flight! The task of a spotter is to assist the RC pilot by between cloud layers, keeping your aircraft in clear view
watching for and keeping him/her aware of any aircraft and within visual line of sight at all times.
or obstacle or hazard that may create an airspace conflict Having a model enter clouds or
so that evasive action can be taken to maintain safe fog violates the visual line of site
separation as required by AMA’s See and Avoid policy. requirement, as well as potentially
The use of a spotter is highly recommended when at a leading to a flyaway, a crash, or
flying site where aircraft are seen in or near the airspace a possible collision with other
on a regular basis. A spotter is required when flying objects on the ground or in
using First-Person View (FPV) with goggles. In addition the air. it’s a good practice
to the above, the spotter must also assist the pilot in to check local weather
keeping the model in Visual Line of Site (VLOS)at all conditions via your local
times … that is, the aircraft must be kept in view of the TV or internet weather.
spotter without using binoculars or any other vision If you find low ceilings
enhancement device. or reduced visibility
due to fog, haze, or
smoke, you should
WEATHER
Current weather conditions are always a consideration
not fly until weather
conditions improve.
whenever you plan to fly model aircraft. Temperature,
05/2021 6• Painting tips of propellers a bright color helps you to
Wind: better see the propeller arc during rotation.
Depending on the size and type of aircraft, the wind can • Check the propeller and spinner for tightness before
be a deciding factor for whether you should fly. Fly in an each operation.
environment that meets your aircraft’s capabilities. • Learn about and check for the proper grain patterns
in wooden propellers to ensure strength in high rpm
In conclusion, always be aware of the weather. operation.
Conditions can change and often change quickly; you • Exercise extreme caution adjusting needle valve
should continually monitor and assess the weather settings on engines. Most adjustments should be
conditions. Understand the limitations of your model performed from behind the model, thus avoiding
and equipment to ensure safe and enjoyable operations. reaching around a spinning propeller.
WEATHER
MODELAIRCRAFT.ORG/SYSTEM/FILES/DOCUMENTS/512.PDF BATTERIES
Lithium batteries have become extremely popular for
powering control and power systems in models because
MODEL AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS IN CONTROLLED of their high-energy density compared with earlier
battery technologies. With high energy comes increased
AIRSPACE
Model aircraft operations within controlled airspace
risk in use. The principle risk is fire, which can result
from improper charging, crash damage, or shorting the
must be conducted in accordance with the requirements batteries.All Lithium battery vendors warn customers
and limitations provided by Air Traffic Control through of this danger and recommend extreme caution in their
the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification use. However, many fires have resulted from the misuse
Capability (LAANC) system. of Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries, leading to the loss
Or… of models and automobiles. Other property, such as
Model aircraft operations at established flying sites homes, garages, and workshops, have also burned.
within controlled airspace must be conducted in A Lithium battery fire burns explosively at several
accordance with the Letter of Agreement (LOA) thousand degrees and is an excellent initiator for
established with the local air traffic control facility. ancillary fires. Fire is caused by contact between Lithium
Modelers must comply with any additional weather and oxygen in the air. It needs no other source of
considerations, limitations, or criteria referenced in the ignition or fuel to start.
agreement. The following is recommended for Lithium batteries to
preclude ancillary fires:
PROPELLERS
• Cracked, nicked, or unbalanced propellers or rotor
blades should be replaced and not reused!
• Stay clear of the propeller arc while starting or
running any engine or motor.
• Do not stop engines by throwing rags or other objects
in the propeller.
7 AMA SAFETY HANDBOOK• Store and charge in a fireproof container—never in to be overcharged. This means that the charging system
your model. must provide charge cessation as each cell reaches the
proper voltage. If the batteries show any sign of swelling,
• Charge in a protected area that is devoid of discontinue charging and move them to a safe place—
combustibles. outside. They could erupt into flames.
• In the event of damage from crashes, etc., carefully • Never plug in a battery and leave it to charge
move the battery pack to a safe place for at least a half unattended; serious fires have resulted from this practice.
hour to observe. Physically damaged cells can erupt into
flames. After sufficient time to ensure safety, the cells • Do not attempt to make your own battery packs from
should be discarded in accordance with the instructions individual cells. Use only professionally packaged and
that come with the batteries. Never attempt to charge a labeled units that contain safer charging features.
cell with physical damage, regardless of how slight.
• Always use chargers designed for the specific purpose;
it’s preferable to have a fixed setting for your particular
FREE FLIGHT
The starting area must be carefully chosen.
pack. Many fires occur while using selectable/adjustable Considerations include wind strength and direction,
chargers that are improperly set. Never attempt to charge relative position of buildings, runways, vehicle parking,
Lithium cells with a charger that is not specifically spectator areas, and the place where models are expected
designed for Lithium cells! Never use chargers that are to land after a normal flight, according to the wind.
specifically designed for NiCd batteries. Outdoor Free Flight models should be flown in an area
that is clear of obstacles, persons, and other property that
• It is strongly recommended that you use charging could be damaged by the model.
systems that monitor, control, and balance the charge Free Flight models must be launched at least 100 feet
state of each cell in the pack. Unbalanced cells can lead downwind from spectators and automobile parking and
to disaster if the system permits a single cell in the pack the launch area must be clear of all individuals except
05/2021 8mechanics, officials, and other fliers. Free Flight models
should only be launched when the launch area and
downwind airspace are clear of manned aircraft.
RADIO CONTROL
Complete a successful radio equipment ground-
range check (in accordance with manufacturer’s
Use an effective device to extinguish any fuse on the recommendations) before the first flight of a new or
model aircraft after the fuse has completed its function. repaired model aircraft.
Establish a safety line(s) behind which all spectators and
bystanders must remain and in front of which all flying
CONTROL LINE
Before flying, inspect and pull-test your complete control
takes place. Intentional flying behind the safety line is
prohibited.
system, including the safety thong where applicable. Air shows and flight demonstrations must have a straight
The pull test will be in accordance with the current safety line. Any other flying activities would be able to
Competition Regulations for the applicable model establish a straight or a curved line.
aircraft category. Model aircraft that don’t fit a specific Only personnel associated with flying the model aircraft
category will use the Control Line Precision Aerobatics are allowed at or in front of the safety line. Spectators
pull-test requirements. must have a designated area away from the line.
The flying area must be clear of all utility wires or poles.
Nonessential participants and spectators must be out of No pilot or other person should touch an outdoor model
the flying area before any engine is started. in flight, while still under power, except to divert it from
Model aircraft will not be flown closer than 50 feet to striking an individual.
any above-ground electric utility lines. Night flying requires a lighting system that provides
the pilot with a clear view of the model’s attitude and
orientation at all times. Hand-held illumination systems
by themselves are inadequate for night flying operations
and must be supplemented with other lighting systems.
SEE AND AVOID GUIDANCE
As model aircraft pilots, we share the National Airspace
System (NAS) with man-carrying aircraft and other
FAA-managed aeronautical operations. It is imperative
that we yield the right of way and maintain a separation
between our operations and theirs.
This document provides guidance for all outdoor
modeling operations, to ensure that we do not create a
hazard for our full-scale counterparts:
See and Avoid Guidance
MODELAIRCRAFT.ORG/SYSTEM/FILES/DOCUMENTS/540-D.PDF
GUIDANCE FOR FPV OPERATION
First-Person View (FPV) refers to the operation of a
Radio Control model aircraft using an onboard camera’s
cockpit view to orient and control the aircraft. If you are
involved in FPV operation, curious, or just want to learn
more, please take a moment and review AMA’s guidance
for FPV operations:
9 AMA SAFETY HANDBOOKFPV Operation operation, care, and maintenance of model turbines
MODELAIRCRAFT.ORG/SYSTEM/FILES/DOCUMENTS/550.PDF and the model aircraft flown with them. AMA has
FPV Operation for Indoor Flying established a program for these operations, which
includes the requirement for pilots to have a turbine
MODELAIRCRAFT.ORG/SITES/DEFAULT/FILES/FPVINDOOR.PDF waiver issued by AMA prior to any solo operation.
FPV Racing Recommendations
You can find all of the applicable information for this
MODELAIRCRAFT.ORG/FILES/160616FPVDRONERACINGRECOMMENDATION.PDF program at:
System Licensing Guidance
MODELAIRCRAFT.ORG/SITES/DEFAULT/FILES/FPVFCC.PDF AMA Gas Turbine Program
MODELAIRCRAFT.ORG/SYSTEM/FILES/DOCUMENTS/510-A.PDF
GUIDANCE FOR ADVANCED FLIGHT SYSTEMS
(Failsafe, Stabilization, and Autopilot)
Models using advanced flight systems allowing for
RC PULSE JET ENGINES
RC Pulse Jet operations require special considerations
automated or flight are permitted by AMA, provided the because of the risk of fire, extreme noise, and high
pilot remains in direct control and flies within visual line thrust. Considerations and requirements are outlined in
of sight. In such operations, a modeler must be able to the following program document.
override the automated and programmed features at all
times. RC Pulse Jet Engines
The specific automated functions allowed for this type of
MODELAIRCRAFT.ORG/SITES/DEFAULT/FILES/510-Q.PDF
model operation are listed in this guidance document:
Failsafe, Stabilization, and Autopilot Systems LARGE MODEL AIRPLANE PROGRAM
AMA requires that model airplanes weighing more
MODELAIRCRAFT.ORG/SYSTEM/FILES/DOCUMENTS/560.PDF than 55 pounds must be built, inspected, and operated
in compliance with the rules set forth in AMA’s Large
GAS TURBINE PROGRAM
The operation of gas turbine engines in model aircraft
Model Airplane program (LMA). This program details
specific requirements for the design, construction,
and operation of model airplanes weighing up to 125
requires the modeler to prove competency in the
05/2021 10pounds. Compliance with the LMA program is required do have specific parameters for safe operation, e.g.: gas
by Federal Law since 2018. turbine-powered models typically require a lengthy
runway with a hard or smooth surface and sufficient
LMA Program airspace in which to maneuver. You should carefully
MODELAIRCRAFT.ORG/SYSTEM/FILES/DOCUMENTS/520-A.PDF evaluate the proposed flying site to determine what
modeling operations can and cannot be accommodated
at any given location.
RC COMBAT
Radio Control Combat (RC Combat) models are flown
You should also consider the environment surrounding
the proposed site. Flying sites near residential areas often
with streamers trailing behind them that are cut by encounter problems relating to sound and/or overflight
other models in combat. For powered RC models, these of private property. At such areas it might be advisable to
operations use a variable setback distance based on the curtail operations during early morning hours, to restrict
internal combustion engine displacement (or the electric the size of aircraft flown, or to limit aircraft to electric
equivalent) used on the model. Specific safety guidelines propulsion only. Flying sites near or on an airport may
for these operations are available here: require a LOA with the FAA ATC Facility that controls
the airspace for that airport. It is important to identify
RC Combat the class of airspace where the flying site is to be located
and obtain authorization from the FAA if it will be in
MODELAIRCRAFT.ORG/SYSTEM/FILES/DOCUMENTS/525.PDF controlled airspace (e.g., Class B, Class C, or Class D
airspace or within the lateral boundaries of the surface
RC RACING
A Radio Control racing event is one in which model
area of Class E airspace designated for an airport).
AMA’s flying site recommendations are for a typical,
multiuse flying site designed to accommodate most
aircraft compete on a prescribed course with the aeromodeling operations, and are helpful if you are
objective of determining a winner by being the first designing a new flying site. They can also assist you
to cross the finish line or to post the fastest time to if you are encountering changes in the dynamic of
complete the race. AMA’s safety standards for the various your club (e.g. more active pilots, new technology, and
types of radio control racing are listed below: increased interest in diverse modeling disciplines) and
need to reevaluate your current layout.
General RC Racing
MODELAIRCRAFT.ORG/SYSTEM/FILES/DOCUMENTS/530.PDF Flying Site Layout Recommendations
Giant Scale Racing MODELAIRCRAFT.ORG/SITES/DEFAULT/FILES/DOCUMENTS/SUGGESTED FLYING SITE
MODELAIRCRAFT.ORG/SYSTEM/FILES/DOCUMENTS/515.PDF SPECIFICATIONS.PDF
Sport Pylon Racing
MODELAIRCRAFT.ORG/SYSTEM/FILES/DOCUMENTS/540-B.PDF
FPV Racing Recommendations
MODELAIRCRAFT.ORG/SYSTEM/FILES/DOCUMENTS/540-E.PDF
FLYING SITE LAYOUT RECOMMENDATIONS
Every flying site situation is different and there is no one-
Academy of Model Aeronautics
5161 E. Memorial Dr. | Muncie IN 47302
size-fits-all approach when it comes to layout and set up. (765) 287-1256 | modelaircraft.org
Each location has different values, as well as challenges,
and modelers and chartered clubs have differing Download
individual needs.
Although there is no one-size-fits-all to designing and MODELAIRCRAFT.ORG/FILES/100.PDF
establishing a flying site, some modeling operations for the latest version of this handbook.
11 AMA SAFETY HANDBOOKYou can also read